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Blake Dykes, Sports

Featured Athlete: Freshman Clara Shean

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By Blake Dykes
For most people it is difficult to be involved in one sport and get schoolwork finished. However, freshman Clara Shean manages to be involved in basketball and softball while maintaining A’s and B’s.
Shean has been doing softball for the past eight years and basketball for nine. This includes travel, school, and recreational teams. Having already finished her first basketball season at FC, she is currently in the middle of the FC softball season.

“Even though the sports are different seasons, it is still difficult because they take so much time.”

With basketball conditioning starting the first week of summer and softball at the beginning of November, she does not get much of a break.

“I don’t get to condition with the softball team because basketball carries into the season.”

Once basketball season is over, Shean is allowed one week break before practicing with the softball team.

Due to her tight schedule, sacrifices have to be made.

“I don’t get to hang out with my friends as much.”

However, Shean likes both sports, but still favors basketball.

“I like both a lot, but I would have to say I like basketball more. I just enjoy playing better, even though it’s harder for me.”

Even though Shean likes basketball more, she said she is better at softball.

“I’m more talented at softball because in basketball you have to be big and it’s a physical sport, and I am small and get pushed around a lot. I try to go to the gym and lift weights, though.”

Shean shared her goals for both sports.

“I hope to maybe get maybe get a scholarship in softball,” said Shean. “And I want to play basketball all four years because it would make me stronger and I enjoy playing the sport.”


Sports

FEATURED ATHLETE: Hannah Keehn

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Eric Ordonez

Staff reporter

 

Senior Hannah Keehn, varsity cross country runner, and exceptional student in the classroom, sat down with the Bagpiper to discuss her personal success and devotion to running.

Bagpiper: How has this season gone for you thus far?

HK: “So far, I am the number two runner on the team. My races haven’t been as good as they have been in the past. Alyssa Moore is a sophomore and is currently the number one runner. She’s amazing.”

Bagpiper: How long have you been interested in running?

HK: “I started in fourth grade because both my mom and dad ran in high school. My mom even held records, but it was a small school so I don’t know if that counts. I also ran in AAU and I liked my coach Clyde Miller. He inspired me to keep running.”

Bagpiper: What is the best thing about running?

HK: “The people, definitely. I keep doing it for my friends, they just keep me going and going. It is a combination of the atmosphere, the friends, and the feeling of the runner’s high that you get.”

Bagpiper: How do you get prepared for a meet?

HK: “For races, a lot of times I listen to songs to pump me up. Every meet I listen to Angels and Airways’ song “Secret Crowds.” I always use prayer to prepare myself too. I just try to block everything out on the bus by listening to music. Then, as a team we do a one mile warm up and strides, which is when you stretch out your leg as far as you can while running. And before the meet actually starts we circle up, do a slow clap, and scream ‘FCCC!'”

Bagpiper: In one sentence, can you explain what running means to you?

HK: “Wow. Okay, without running, I wouldn’t be who I am. It has shaped so many of my friends and my strength. Physically and mentally. It’s not my life. Just half of it.”